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Cognito

Frictionless, modern identity verification that starts with just a…

Y CombinatorSummer 2014AcquiredB2BEngineering, Product and DesignFintechB2BIdentity

What they do

Problem

Businesses need to verify users' identities accurately while minimizing signup friction and fraud risk.

Solution

Cognito provides an ID verification platform that starts with a phone number and verifies user identity attributes like name, DOB, address, phone, and SSN.

Who it's for

Online businesses and platforms that need to onboard and verify users (e.g., fintechs, marketplaces, and other digital services).

Founders

Alain Meier
Founder/CEO

Previously co-founded Cognito (S14), which was acquired by Plaid in 2022

John Backus
Founder/CTO

CTO and Founder @ Cognito (Acquired by Plaid in 2022)

Christopher Morton
Founder/President and COO

Company timeline

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